LEGENDARY CAREER

‘Peyton Place’ and ‘Brian’s Song’ Star Dies at 83

The actress is survived by her two daughters.

Iconic ‘70s actress Judy Pace has died at age 83. Pace was best known for her pioneering roles in film and TV throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s. Pace started her career as a model in the late ’50s and early ’60s, after which she transitioned to acting, becoming the first Black woman to be under contract with Columbia Studios. She also starred in numeruos Blaxploitation films in the ‘70s, a genre of film that catered to Black audiences. She is best known for her roles in the movie Brian’s Song, the ‘60s show Peyton Place, and the ‘70s drama The Young Lawyers. The legendary actress went on to win the NAACP Image Award for Best Actress for her role in the latter. Later in life, she chose to focus on her philanthropy, founding the Kwanza Foundation in 1971. The foundation supported people of color in creative fields. Pace, who died in her sleep Wednesday, is survived by her daughters, Shawn and Julia Pace Mitchell. Their mother died while visiting family in Marina Del Rey, California, they announced following her passing.